We’re having a Recruitment Open Day on Tuesday 28th November from 10.30am – 3pm and we’d love for you to join us!

Become a part of The Education Network family and register with an agency that prioritises education over profit and can offer challenging and rewarding career opportunities, in a wide range of specialist areas with a variety of perks and benefits!

Education professionals that join us have access to free, award winning CPD thanks to our partnership with Virtual College and can take advantage of huge discounts on a range of supporting (and fun!) products and services due to our Commercial Partners.

Additionally, support, advice and a friendly ear is guaranteed when you choose us. We’re unlike any other agency, we really don’t care for targets and we certainly won’t treat you like a number.

We get to know each and every one of our teachers and support staff individually, as not only do we value loyalty and long-lasting relationships above all, but by getting to know you it helps us do an even better job, meaning everyone is happy!

Here’s a taste of what you can expect from us on the day:

10.30am – Short talk on primary school requirements in Warrington and surrounding areas with Chris.

11.00am – Spotlight on teaching opportunities and the role of a cover supervisor with Sarah.

11.30am – An introduction to SEND in schools and 1-1 tuition with Eileen.

2.00pm – Highlight of our primary and EYFS vacancies in Cheshire with Sharon.

Furthermore, if you have any other questions in relation to working with The Education Network, our wonderful Warrington team will be happy to provide you with all information you need.

Having worked as a teacher, middle leader and a coach within education, I have seen various performance management processes with a wide range of line managers and staff. I have had the pleasure of working with experienced teachers, NQTs, underperformers, outstanding staff, coasting staff and ambitious professionals. Each have proved to be excellent learning opportunities!

At a wedding this summer, and after a few drinks, somehow, performance management sprung to mind. Ahhh! Coincidently, it was actually a teacher’s wedding too!

I, along with my wife, didn’t know that many people. It was 10 o’clock. The service, meal and speeches were all well and truly out of the way. The atmosphere was great and everyone seemed to be having lots of fun. The problem was the dance floor was empty, and had been since the music started. You may assume that everyone had simply not had enough to drink, but on my quick assessment, this was clearly not the case!

For me, a dance floor at 10 o’clock should be well and truly underway. After saying to my wife, “I think we need to do something about this music”, she reminded me that I was a “small time guest” and that it was “not my place to do this”. Like is often the case after a few pints, I thanked her for her input and scuttled off to see the DJ.

On route, I had this mad panic of what I was going to request. From nowhere, I said “Can you play Ready or Not by The Fugees?”

The DJ replied, “Sorry, the bride and groom have specifically said no R&B.”

Ok, I thought I’ve never been knocked back by a wedding DJ before, I’ll try again.

“How about a bit of Motown – or something like Superstition by Stevie Wonder?”

Sorry, they’ve said they didn’t want anything like that either. I’ve never heard of a Stevie Wonder ban at a wedding!

Then, from nowhere, I went into coaching mode!

“Tell me how happy you are with the current state of the dance floor.”
“What would you like the dance floor to look like?”
“What do you think the bride and groom would like the dance floor to look like?”
“How do you think the bride and groom would feel if you played Stevie Wonder and 15 people got up dancing and everyone was having a good time?”
“Tell me… what would you like to drink?”

He agreed to play Stevie Wonder! Was this due to the fresh pint of Peroni soon to be delivered, or because he’d realised it was worth the risk to go off his prescribed list of music for the greater good? Only he would know. Either way, he was challenged to think and change his current behaviour.

I was scared. How am I going to get 15 people dancing? I only really know six people in the room, and two of them had banned Stevie Wonder! At the bar, I shared my mission with those around. I explained what track would be coming and the fact I needed 15 people to dance and have fun with!

Superstition came on, the DJ got his pint and we had 19 people dancing – result! Not only was my goal achieved, but the dance floor did not empty from this point on. The requests continued, and at approx 23.30 the groom said to me, “As if I’m dancing to The Fugees!” The dance floor no longer belonged to the DJ, or the bride and groom. It was everyone’s. It all happened because the DJ was prepared to take a risk.

The point being, the bride and groom were telling us what to dance to and how to have fun. I often find that this is sometimes how performance management works. A leader often has an objective they want to achieve, and this is simply passed onto others. There is often no thought of how the skills within the team can be used, or how others can decide for themselves how to achieve this. Like at the wedding, this kind of leadership stifles fun and creativity. It disempowers and leads to dissatisfaction and discontent.

Here are five ways a leader can make performance management interactions like a wedding dance:

1. Each dance should be different

– We dance differently to different music. Likewise, we should talk differently to different staff. Consider needs, stage of career, issues faced away from work and the ambitions of your staff. Not all teachers think like you. A teacher may not want a promotion or extra responsibility. Sometimes, they have different ambitions. Don’t be afraid to explore these. Try asking:

“Other than what we have discussed, what else do you care about?”

“What would you like to change?”
“What aspect are we not as good at as you’d like us to be?”

Questions like this will tap into their desires and passions.

The culture of the meetings must remain supportive, compassionate and challenging, to ensure each staff member feels valued and respected. This needs to be the case, whether the teacher is deemed ‘outstanding’ or ‘inadequate’. You’ll not improve an ‘inadequate’ teacher by patronising or becoming frustrated with them!

Effective performance management needs to address their needs as well as yours. If they want to develop away from their role, try to let them. This can lead to further empowerment and increased motivation.

2. The best dances are choreographed

Although the conversations are different, the process should be the same. Both parties should prepare for a performance management meeting. Take time to think about how you and your team will plan for the meetings. Take into consideration the personnel in the department and how their needs differ. How are you going to support each individual? How are you going to challenge them individually and as a team?

Consider a reflective review of targets and what new targets can be incorporated. What has gone well? What do both parties want to develop or improve on? What training is needed? How can staff skills be used to train others in the department or elsewhere in the school.

When working with large teams, think about how you’ll schedule the meetings. A line manager once said to me, “You’re free P1 on Thursday aren’t you? Can we squeeze your PM meeting in then? I need to send the paperwork by noon on Friday.” This totally undermines the process!

3. Engage with your dance partner

The days of dancing round a handbag are over, as are PM meetings around a computer. To fully engage and maintain rapport, you need as little to distract you as possible. A pen, some paper and your planning notes for the meeting is all you need. Eye contact is key! You have to show an interest in the whole school, the department and the students, but if you don’t engage with the member of staff in front of you, you’ve lost the point. Don’t ever be the leader who types the pro forma as they go to save time processing the paperwork. Although it may save you time in the short term, it will cause more long term harm. Ask your staff how they’d like to ‘dance’ to achieve their targets? You’ll understand how they like to work best and what makes them tick.

4. Share the dance with others

Like any good dance, it is best when seen by others. Sometimes a good old ‘dance off’ works a treat! Whilst performance management is traditionally a private process, it really doesn’t have to be.I had the pleasure of working with some forward-thinking groups of people where the sharing of targets had led to increased levels of accountability, motivation, collaboration and idea sharing. Imagine the impact this can have on outcomes. Consider ‘buddying’ up staff based on strengths and areas to develop, ‘check in’ on targets publically in department meetings to see what progress has been made or what support is out there. You may even ask staff to present their work to date, as this can give real ownership and further add to accountability.

5. Feedback from your dance partner

Effective dancers are constantly feeding back to each other.

I once heard a line manager say, “What can I do better to help or lead you?” The member of staff nearly feel off her chair. She wasn’t expecting this. Her previous line manager had always told her what she was doing well and what she needed to improve on. This question opened up the idea of two way feedback and promoted a more open dialogue. It made the line manager vulnerable, and is a great way to show you are human too!

The result

Like at the wedding, ‘small timers’ (like me!) can play a huge role within departmental and whole-school improvement. You just have to give them a chance and make them feel valued. Be open to ideas, creativity and passion. Once stifled, these things are very hard to reignite!

Chris Reddy is the founder of Brightways Coaching, a motivational speaker and an educational improvement coach. He works with young people and educational professionals to help them leave their comfort zone and try new things, he creates bespoke inspirational workshops and coaching sessions to bring about change and success. Chris believes real change and progress is more effective through collaboration, goal setting and self-reflection and we thank him for allowing us to share this wonderful Blog which can also be found here.

Teaching in Qatar is a life-changing opportunity!

The country has experienced rapid growth in recent times making it the richest county in the world and thus becoming an attractive destination for English speakers due to the opportunities and calibre of work available.

Teachers are flocking to the tiny country, nicknamed the “new Dubai” for its top private international schools, competitive salaries, stunning shoreline of beaches and dunes and it’s futuristic, ultramodern capital, Doha.

But like everywhere, living and working in Qatar has it’s pros and cons, so before you decide to make the move to the Middle-East, there are some things you should know…

The Work

Due to the large number of expats and growth of international schools, educational establishments in Qatar aren’t just looking to recruit teachers that want to teach English.

In fact, most schools look for certified teachers that have experience teaching primary and/or secondary school subjects for international schools, where the language of instruction is already English.

The Schools

In Qatar you can be expected to begin the school day very early at around 6:30 – 7 AM as an earlier day can help teachers cope with the afternoon heat which can sometimes reach up to 38º C!

Language Schools

There is a great demand for teachers in these schools, as a great deal of Qatari adults hope to increase their knowledge of the English language. Language schools hire teachers for adult learners, business professionals, and young children. You may be expected to work after school hours or during the evenings or weekends.

Private International Schools

International schools are typically private schools and they are always on the look out for International Baccalaureate (IB) teachers, in subjects other than ESL. Native English speakers may be expected to teach maths, science and even geography but to name a few!

It’s also important to prepare yourself if you are to work in a private organisation, as they are not necessarily required to adhere to national standards and how the school operates may differ to what you’ve come to expect in the UK.

Tutoring

Tutoring is a good way to make extra money after-school or on the weekends and you can get paid around 100-350 QAR an hour (about £20-£70). Although, you will need to advertise your services, post on online job boards and make the right connections once living in Qatar to get the placements and salary you desire.

Benefits package

Your school will offer you a benefits package before you agree to teach in Qatar.

The best school packages should include housing (or housing allowance), health care, annual round-trip flights from your point of origin, and some will even include shipping, settling in, and transportation allowances.

Remember, you’re not just accepting a new job, you’re making a life-changing decision to move half way across the world, away from family, friends and all your home comforts.

These benefits are a way of getting you settled, welcoming you into a new community and are early signs of how well your employer will take care of you while you teach in Qatar.

The Pay

Schools in Qatar offer a tax-free salary with benefits and teachers can expect to earn between £1500 – £2900 a month as typically, salaries are about 10-15% higher than in Dubai.

The Transport

Public transport in Qatar is lacking and the traffic is notoriously bad, so if you get road rage easily, perhaps a different destination like Shanghai would be more to your liking.

However, if you’re a confident driver and don’t mind the odd delay, renting a car is the preferred option for many expats and if all else fails, there’s plenty of taxis to choose from!

The Students

Teaching in Qatar usually means teaching students from all over the world, whether that be from other Arabic countries, Australia, the US or even beyond!

It is important to make a connection with each and everyone of your students on a personal level as well as professional. Shown an interest and make them feel welcome in your classroom and by doing so, you will learn a lot from them as they do from you!

This is even considered more important than punctuality, so leave all your Western philosophies behind, relax and absorb this new culture that values relationships and leisure over occasional lateness and stressed teachers!

The Law

Qatar use to operate under the controversial Kafala system, which meant employees had to obtain an exit visa, or permission to leave the country.

Despite criticism that not much has changed, according to some, the new sponsorship law now makes it easier for some residents to change jobs and leave the country, although you still must seek permission if you wish to change jobs before your contract expires.

However, if you believe you’ve been mistreated or exploited by your employer you can petition for a job change, the labor ministry has confirmed.

Exit permits still exist and expats need to apply directly to the government for these and ask their employer in writing before leaving the country. Even in emergency situations.

However, some schools will grant their teachers multiple exit visas, which means employees do not need to request permission for each individual trip. If the employer does not agree, the employee can appeal to the new Exit Permit Grievance Committee either online, in person at a government services complex, or at a police station.

Don’t worry though! The new law also requires anyone moving to Qatar for work to see a copy of his/her work contract in his/her home country, meaning if there is anything you don’t like, you can try and negotiate your contract with the school or simply reject the job offer!

Work visas will only be issued for contracts that have been approved by the government and expats on fixed-term contracts can change jobs without employer approval (once their contract has ended). Those on open-ended contracts can switch employers without approval after five years. However, employees will still need to apply to the labor ministry to switch jobs.

Expats who have left the country and canceled their residence permits may return immediately without waiting two years as was previously the case, provided they have a new work visa.

However, workers who have been found “guilty of misconduct” while working for their previous employer in Qatar will not be allowed to return. Employees whose contracts are terminated while they are in Qatar have three months to secure a new job and If they cannot, they must leave the country.

The Culture and Lifestyle

The people of Qatar are called Qatari’s and Arabs. The official language of this country is Arabic, but most people also speak English, especially when carrying out business.

Qatar culture is quite conservative and follows Islamic law like other countries in the Middle East. However, for its non-Muslim expats certain “freedoms” are given which are not allotted to Islamic citizens and residents.

For example, alcohol may be banned for muslims but non-muslim residents can buy alcohol in hotels and for consumption in their homes.

You do not need to cover your hair, but you will be expected to cover your shoulders and knees and dress modestly, avoiding clothing such as low cut tops at all times. However, this won’t be too difficult as most of your days will be spent inside air-conditioned buildings anyway!

However, international beach hotels such as the Intercontinental and Hilton are non-restrictive so a Bikini is completely acceptable here around the pool areas.

Although Qatar may seem to have many rules and regulations, it is also dubbed one of the safest places in the world, with crime rates below the global average. With that being said, there are places to avoid and parts that could be safer, just like anywhere. So be smart, do your research and look after yourself and you’ll be fine!

In regards to fun, the country boasts many amenities and attractions, including large shopping centres, water parks and museums and as it is surrounded by water, there are plenty of water sports and activities for you to indulge in!

If you’re not a fan of water, there’s dune bashing, desert camping and of course, many of same activities you enjoy at home like live music, Yoga and the theatre. There are also hotels that show sports and offer a little nightlife, but if you’re a regular raver, this may not be the place for you.

Weekends are on Fridays and Saturday and its important to note that most shops will be shut on Friday mornings before afternoon prayer.

So there you have it, everything you need to know about moving to teach in Qatar.

We hope we’ve answered any questions you have and helped the decision making process just that little bit easier for you.

If we haven’t, then please email our International expert here and they will do their best to inform you but if you want our honest advice, don’t think, just do it!

Everyone is individual and experiences differ! Go with an open mind, no expectations and a responsible attitude and we guarantee you’ll have no regrets!

To celebrate World Teachers’ Day this year, we ran a competition and asked the public to put in their own words, why they think teachers are so important.

The response we received was great and the reasons sent in were inspiring, honest, humorous and thought provoking, which made it even more difficult when it came down to picking a winner. However, in the end, it was Nic Bea who took the Luxury Chocolate and Prosecco prize with her wonderful words.

It wasn’t just Nic that touched us, which is why we’ve put together this blog combining our top 10 favourite reasons why some of you believe teachers are important, so educators across the world have something to revisit when they’re having a down day, to remind them that they are important and they are all winners, reaping the small rewards of teaching every single day and making a huge difference!

1.

Teachers are important because they can be one constant in an ever changing landscape for the children, they can inspire children to read, write, sing, draw, act, explore, investigate, persevere, communicate, calculate. They can be the person who says have a go and be there to catch the child if they fall. They listen and share, they care, they go the extra mile. They are normal human beings who make mistakes, get frustrated but keep on coming back for more, even when they are getting knocks from parents, pupils, public and government. Teachers ARE important! – Nic Bea

2.

If you can read, write or solve an equation, you know that it’s probably your teachers that you have to thank. A lot of what we learn about the world comes from teachers who give us the skills and wisdom we need to help us succeed in life. – Sandra D Lane

3.

Teachers are important because they deal with poo, wee, vomit, snot and dribble on a daily basis (oh and get coughed and sneezed on repeatedly) and still come into work each day with a smile! Ha ha….I love my job. I genuinely do! – Jennie McVicar

4.

Teachers are very important – not only are they there to educate but they are also there to support the pupil’s well being and watch them grow as they achieve their dreams and ambitions – Claire Ann Davies

5.

Teachers are the core of everything. We wouldn’t have doctors, heart surgeons, medicine, technology, everything that makes the world a better place. Most importantly, our wonderful children wouldn’t be challenged and lead to reach their highest potential. I love my job and I am proud to be a teacher – Nicky Cox

6.

Teachers help inspire future generations to make the world a better place and help individuals strive for success – Georgina Wilson

7.

Teachers are so important. We plant the seeds of wisdom and support and nurture them as they grow! A fabulous job full of wonderful and magical moments each and every day! I teach early years and love teaching each and everyday and I just love those ‘break through’ moments. I may be tired, stressed and very busy, but at the end of each and every day my heart smiles with joy. – Kate Dickinson

8.

They are important because they help to mould our children into great adults. They often see when there is something wrong with a child that the child feels they cannot talk about. They are educators, confidants and social workers. – Shalene Hodder

9.

Teachers are so important to our children. They engage, lead and help to change the future. They support and aid the children at every key stage! – Pauline Rendell

10.

They are wise oak trees, bending their branches to make conditions right for acorns to grow into bigger and better trees. – Shalene Hodder

Thank you to all that took part in our World Teachers’ Day Competition! Make sure you follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more competitions in the near future!

Many teachers believe the profession is a calling and something they’ve always wanted to do. Other people have several other jobs in their lifetime before they realise that inspiring young minds and providing those crucial stepping stones for later on in life is what they really want to do.

Whatever the reason, being a teacher is commendable career with huge rewards and responsibilities!

If you’re thinking about becoming a teacher you’ve come to the right place. we picked the brains of some of the best in the business to find out the positives, the challenges and the rewards in the profession…

Responsibilities!

-Every day is different in a school. Day to day duties consist of planning, preparing lessons, ensuring students are engaged and fully active in the lessons, as well as dealing with administration issues and managing behaviour effectively!

John Clark added: “You are, of course, expected to plan and teach lessons and mark your students’ work regularly, but also you are expected to be a part of the broader school community. This can range from anything such as break-time duties, running an extra-curricular activity, or helping out with development sessions and moderating. You’re not just a teacher during the lessons, you have to be a teacher from the moment you arrive in the morning until you leave for the day.”

Challenges!

– Teachers have the opportunity to make a huge impact on students, but with that opportunity comes many challenges – juggling multiple tasks, working long hours and managing behaviour to name a few!

Rebecca Harnett said: “Long hours can be challenging especially at certain times of the year. But something I’ve found most challenging is trying not to compare yourself too harshly against more experienced teachers and learning it’s okay to ask for help. I think it’s important to try and take time for yourself. Rest makes you a better teacher!”

Best bits!

– Teachers often say the reason they go into class every day is to make a difference and that “light bulb moment” when a student understands something they have taught them is one of the most enjoyable parts of the job.

Rebecca Harnett explains: “No two days are the same so you never know what can happen. It’s a real privilege to work with fantastic children and staff. It’s really enjoyable to know that you have made a difference; to see that a child can do something new and know that you have taught them how to is really satisfying.”

Omar Chowdry adds: “The best bits are getting to know the children and helping them develop academically and socially, inventing novel methods of imparting knowledge or teach specific concepts in a radical way which excite and inspire the children and help them where they might have struggled with more conventional methods.”

Advice!

– If you have a passion for working with people and want to pursue a career in teaching, here’s some advice from Rebecca:

“Voluntary experience is valuable – I did some volunteering in a primary school and secondary school and it firmly cemented the idea that secondary is not for me! I think you should always be willing to learn new things and accept all feedback.

Fahim Talukder adds: “It’s a team that makes a school and, more importantly, a child’s progress, so having an open mind and being willing to learn and eager to reflect is an important attribute to have.”

If a career in teaching sounds like it is for you, head to our job search and find your perfect role today.

Are you glad to be going back to work? Have you been behaving like a lottery winner with all the time in the world but not quite the bank balance?

These are great questions to ask on day one of the new academic term 2017-2018 or at the start of any academic year and for most staff the answer is always a resounding “no”.

However, that’s the answer we expect to hear because after six weeks (42 beautiful days) off you really do feel like a lottery winner!

You’ve done what you want, when you want, set no wake up alarm, spent time with your family and friends and perhaps even read a book and watched a box set or six!

But now it’s back to work we go, hey ho, hey ho, hey ho and I’ve been thinking, how do we transfer that summer feeling into an every day feeling and increase our personal happiness at times of stress (and we all know those times are quick to come!).

For example week 1 will see many primary teachers looking for lost garments as parents cry ‘have you seen his jumper?’, all teachers will be examining their predecessors data and looking at the cohort in front of them, wondering if the real children have been abducted by aliens and replaced by non data matching aliens as a test!

As you know, the academic year is a roller coaster ride but if we are to make it through and survive further on into our careers then we’re truly blessed because teaching is actually an amazing job!

Working in education, we get to make a difference daily and have a positive impact on the lives of others, so to make sure we continue to be the best we can be, I’ve got five fully tried and tested tips just for you…

Be organised – mentally.

– This doesn’t mean buying the whole stationary shop or that matching everything is going to make you more organised. It means think through your low points last year, what were they about? What can you do to prepare better for them this year? What can you do to keep your own well being on a high? I always wrote a family menu and used a slow cooker so my children got fed!

Gratitude is such a simple word

– but you’ve had 42 days Holiday and the rest of the work force are lucky if they get 20 annual days a year. So have a think about your reasons to be grateful this summer, write 50 down and keep them somewhere that you can see them.

Happy photo

– Find a summer photo that makes you happy and save it as your screen saver or desk top screen. We have devices with us all the time and a simple click can take you back to the moment and help ease the building of stress. #photomeditation

Give your self a health check

– Now whilst you are still healthy from the summer break! Start taking vitamin C before the colds kick in or add a 30 day vitamin challenge to the first half term. Stay healthy by preventing illness.

Add into everyday ‘mood boosts’

– these are the ‘amuse buche’ to happiness! An amuse bush is a posh dinner sorbet eaten between meals to cleanse the pallet! So a ‘mood boost’ is a happiness injection added into your day to increase happiness. Have a class anthem to start the day (and end), make yourself a happy boost play list or set an alarm on your phone to go off during the day and when it goes off say ‘what’s that?’ Then say ‘I know it’s a DANCE ALARM!!’ Break into spontaneous dance moves to the song, encouraging others to join you!

A school in Melton Mowbray have a ‘Spread The Happiness’ head teacher who sets the alarm to go off over the school tannoy and every class comes into the corridor and dances for the length of the song then goes back to lessons!

Use these tips to get through some of those stressful school times and start the new school year as you mean to go on. These happy back to school moments and stories will soon be memories you cherish for life

Remember that we truly are the modern billionaire that Emmy-nominated host and keynote speaker, Jason Silva talks about “the new definition of a billionaire is some one who positively impacts on a billion lives”.

Visit the official website for Happiness Speaker, Shonette Bason-Wood here!

Now that the summer holidays are pretty much done and dusted, it’s time to get ready to return to the crazy life of being a teacher. With the ups and downs, the stress and the endless marking also comes the pride of reaching targets and being a part of a students success!

You may still be in holiday mode now but here’s how you can get yourself out of that frame of mind and ready for those first few weeks back with our 10 tips to survive the dreaded return back to school…

Reflect on the previous year

– Think about what went well and what didn’t go so well in order to determine what you need to do differently and what can be kept the same.

Make classroom rules and stick to them

– You are in charge of your classroom. Make it clear from the get go what your rules are and make sure to stick with them through the year.

Get to know your students

– Learn names quickly. It could also be useful keeping up with the latest trends so you can find some common ground with your students and have more to talk about than just school.

Stay out of school politics

– Focus on your own teaching and classroom. A staffroom is a fun place to unwind but try to distance yourself from any drama as it can be draining.

Remember routine

– The holidays will have ruined your usual routine. Take a week before to try and get back into it so you are fresh for your first day back.

Set positive aims/goals

– Write down what you expect to gain out of the year and what goals you plan to reach.
This can be an effective way of improving teaching as you can look back at the end of the year and see how well they worked.

Make expectations clear

– Tell students what you expect of them in terms of behaviour in classrooms, homework standards, etc.

New year, new you!

– This means a fresh start. Regardless of whether you have taught the students before, a new year indicates a clean slate. Let go of all opinions of students and give them a chance to be different.

Communicate with parents

– Have a conversation with parents and explain what you expect to gain through the year and how they can help you achieve this. This is vital in getting the best out of your students.

Get organised

– Lesson plans, homework timetables and marking should all be planned out prior to lessons. Organisation is the key and it will make life a lot easier. It can be the difference between an average teacher and an exceptional one.

Thinking of becoming a teaching assistant? Whether it’s working in a primary school, high school, or even a sixth form, it’s safe to say a teaching assistants’ job is endless and not for the faint of heart!

Duties differ depending on the age group you’re assisting but can include everything from hanging up coats to giving out fruit and trying to get a class settled before the lesson begins.

Teaching assistants make up a quarter of the education workforce and the main job role is assisting students who need help. This could be underachieving students, students with behavioural issues or pupils with SEND.

On certain occasions, if a teacher is sick or unable to attend school for whatever reason, it is the TA’s job to provide the cover with everything they need. Therefore, the ideal TA should display initiative, self motivation and exceptional organisation skills in order to shine!

Any teacher will tell you that the role of a TA is integral for the school and pupils, so if you’re considering taking it up as a career, here’s what a typical day could look like for you…

The day of a teaching assistant will commence long before the pupil’s, when at school it’s up to them to assist the teacher with preparing the classroom for the day ahead.

This could include a variety of tasks including setting up desks, chairs, printing, photocopying and more. Then arrive the pupils and the teaching assistant will get them to settle down as well as communicating with them and getting them prepared and excited for a day of learning.

During lessons, teaching assistant’s are there to aid students who may need a bit more help or encouragement. This is all done whilst the teacher continues with the lesson, allowing the day to flow smoothly.

When break begins, it’s up to the teaching assistant to patrol the outdoor areas and insure the safety of children, talking to any who may be in need of assistance as well as making sure they all stay on school premises.

After more lessons, what usually follows is lunch, which permits teaching assistants to take a break, address any important matters and communicate with other members of staff.

The afternoon will then be a series of lessons and depending on the school, perhaps another break that will allow students to get some air. A teaching assistant’s job can vary during lessons and you may be there as an aid to a teacher or even have to take over a lesson in case of absence.

Then, it’s finally home time which means many students will set off whilst some will have to stay behind for detention which may be distributed between teachers and teaching assistants depending on what is decided at the end of the day.

The truth is, every day differs as a TA’s job varies. On some days, you might not be assigned detention duty but told to call up the parents of absent students. On other days you could be in charge of extra curricular or creative tasks.

Regardless of what tasks a teaching assistant tackles, it is safe to say that schools would be helpless without one!

They play essential roles in the team, contributing their skills in helping pupils learn, grow and develop into productive members of society.

TA’s help teachers become more effective in their mission to educate children. They help build happy and purposeful relationships with pupils, parents, teachers and other members of the school staff and I think we speak for everyone when we say, they’re greatly appreciated and invaluable to the success of a school!

Thank you to all our hard working teaching assistants!

If you think you’ve got what it takes to become a teaching assistant, we’d love you to join our team! Come take a look at the exciting TA positions available for you here.

So, you’ve decided to join The Education Network family? Smart move! Now that we’re working together, we want to make sure you have the best opportunities possible so here’s our 10 top tips to make the most out of this exciting, new relationship!

Communication is key

– Check your phone regularly so you don’t miss out on work. It’s the best way for us to get hold of you quickly. Also check emails just incase we can’t get you on the telephone for whatever reason.

Practice discretion where necessary

– Please make sure any social networking websites you have are on the highest privacy setting. Even the most harmless of photos/posts have the potential to derail a career in education. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Be specific

– Specify exactly what you’re looking for, including the areas of education you would like to work in, the type of schools you would prefer and any you may wish to avoid. If at any time your preferences change that’s not a problem, just inform us and we’ll find something more suited to you!

Keep us updated

– Let us know as soon as possible or at latest on a Thursday what your availability is for the following week so we know when to and not to ring you. This saves everyone time as we won’t contact you or work to place you if we know you’re busy!

Be honest

– Inform us of any changes to your situation e.g. if you’ve found a job or can’t work for any reason. Life happens and we completely understand! Should you wish to move on to pastures new, although we’ll be sad to see you go, we’ll also be happy for you!

In case of absence…

– Give a decent amount of notice (24 hours ideally) if you cannot work a shift you have agreed to. Remember, the school, staff and pupils will be relying on you so unless it is an emergency, please don’t hesitate to let us know immediately of any changes to your circumstances.

Just say no

– Please don’t feel obliged to accept work if you cannot do it or you’re not 100% about it. We want our teachers to be happy in their placements and we know that just because a role looks right for you on paper, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is the one for you! If you feel like you’d prefer a different position just say no and we’ll work tirelessly until we’ve found the perfect placement for you.

Be realistic

– Be clear about what geographical areas you can work in and how far you are willing to travel to work. If you’re unsure about how long a journey will take, use Google Maps to check your route before you accept the job and discover how long the travel time will be via walking, driving or public transport!

First impressions count

– Make a great impression when on assignment and the school or nursery will most likely ask for you back. The schools we work with have been known to make permanent placements available for exceptional teachers, so if you’re seeking more long-term work, make sure you stand out for all the right reasons!

Spread the word and earn some money

– Refer a friend or family member to join us as well and once they’re placed and have successfully completed ten full working days with us, you’ll be entitled to a cash reward as a thank you from us!

Should you require any further information before joining The Education Network you can find everything you need in our Candidate Guides! Alternatively, If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, you can contact your local office here.

Okay, so maybe we’re being just a little bit biased, but whether you’re a teacher, school or educational organisation, there really are so many wonderful reasons to work with us.

For the last 24 years we have worked hard to make a positive difference to the education sector, in schools and for the lives of many education professionals and the results have been huge.

It is because of our loyal clients and candidates that choose us time and time again that we’re able to give back so much, so if you’re unsure about which agency to trust, let us help make that decision easier with 10 reasons why you should definitely choose us…

We’re miles ahead!

– Did you know that we were one of the first three education recruitment companies to be awarded the Compliance+ accreditation from APSCo? This accreditation ensures all staff we provide you with have surpassed the statutory safeguarding standards and even the NAHT recommend that schools and institutes use APSCo members!

We give back!

– We’re a complete education network of support, so when you choose us, you can feel confident knowing that you’re also contributing to the wider education sector. Through our community outreach work we’ve been able to sponsor football kits and school games, transform an old bus into a library, send pupils to the Himalayas, promote sports and fitness in schools, raise money for charities, bring awareness to bullying and so much more and all out of our own pocket!

We provide free CPD and Training!

– We like our teachers and schools to be at the forefront of all things education which is why we sponsor several teach meets and offer in-house courses and why we more recently partnered with award winning training provider, Virtual College to bring e-learning courses to thousands of schools throughout the UK and deliver any necessary additional training for staff. There are a number of online courses we can provide accredited CPD for from Safeguarding Children in Education and the Prevent Agenda to Data Protection and Stress Management to our Partner Schools.

We offer huge perks, discounts and more!

– Our partnerships entitle the teachers and schools we work with to a wide range of beneficial and supporting products, services and huge discounts. Meaning you can get money off everything from school trips to Oxygen Freejumping, one of the UK’s No.1 trampoline parks or take advantage of VEO, the education technology app which allows you to observe your teaching technique.

Our schools can take advantage of safeguarding platform tootoot and our School Partnerships to receive greatly reduced recruitment rates. As a result, our schools have seen more effective budget management for all temporary and permanent vacancies. Additionally, schools within our unique partnership are entitled to a dedicated vacancies website, created professionally by one of our experts!

Schools within our partnership also benefit from a vast level of education recruitment experience from our fully trained Education Recruitment Consultants who offer a knowledgeable approach to staffing needs.

We have an outstanding reputation!

– We’ve developed an unrivalled reputation as as a high quality, dedicated education recruitment agency that actually listens. We get to know each and every one of our teachers and schools individually, as not only do we value loyalty and long-lasting relationships above all but by getting to know you, it helps us do an even better job, meaning everyone is happy! We don’t expect you to just take our word for it, see what some of our candidates have had to say about working with us in their own words, here.

We prioritise education over profit

– We prioritise education over profit which is reflected in everything we do! From our community outreach work and partnerships mentioned above, to our Blogs and the free resources we create just for you! We believe in creating opportunities and bettering those working within education and education as a whole.

We can’t be beaten when it comes to value!

We provide cost-effective, unique staffing solutions and an unbeatable service unlike any of our competitors. We can accommodate for almost every school budget to promote, target and engage a wide pool of candidates effectively and the recruitment process is completely transparent. As our client, you will have full control over how the selection works.

Furthermore, when it comes to our teachers, we pay every single one to/above scale depending on their experience. We will always work with the school to negotiate the best rates possible for our candidates before the placement begins. Along with excellent pay our educators also have access to expert advice and guidance on their chosen career path, as well as support during their time with us. Along with all the other perks mentioned above, it’s fair to say, hard-working teachers get everything they deserve when they register with us!

We have our own anti-bullying initiative.

When you work with us, you’re helping support our anti-bullying initiative.1.5 million young people have been bullied within the past year, 145,800 of these were bullied EVERY DAY and more than 16,000 young people are absent from school due to bullying each year*

These shocking statistics not only highlight the damage that bullying is causing to education but also to the mental health of pupils in schools nationwide.Since it’s launch last year, our campaign has gone from strength to strength and our cuddly mascot, Buddy has visited a range of schools for assemblies, to reward classes and whole school initiatives.

It is because of you, that we’re able to work towards stamping out bullying behaviour in schools and send Buddy across the UK for free to help schools launch their very own scheme and also to reward excellent work and ideas by pupils and anti-bullying advocates.

We offer real support and guidance.

Many of our consultants come from teaching backgrounds, so you can trust that they know exactly what they’re doing and can relate as they have experienced first-hand the demands of working in education.

That is why support, advice and a friendly ear is guaranteed when you choose us. We’re unlike any other agency, we really don’t care for targets and we certainly won’t treat you like a number. Your dedicated consultant is always available to offer advice and solutions should you face any problems during your placement, so you never suffer in silence! It’s what we’re here for!

We place you at the centre of everything we do

It’s not just a tagline, we really do! We take the feedback we receive from the schools and teachers we work with and use it to improve every single day! See for yourself what some of our teachers, schools and partners have had to say about working with us here.

Furthermore, this year alone we have launched a more user-friendly website, a job search app and our new Blogs, which have been introduced to help teachers and schools deal with the problems they face regularly, by providing simple yet effective solutions and tips.

Many of our partnerships have been forged simply because we listened to what both our clients and candidates want and need

Stop settling for any agency and choose one that cares! Apply for a job with us now or if you’re a school, submit your vacancy here. We can’t wait for you to join The Education Network family!

*Statistics by DITCH THE LABEL – Annual Bullying Survey 2016 and Source: Brown, V., Clery, E. and Ferguson, C. (2011) Estimating the prevalence of young people absent from school due to bullying.

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In light of Roald Dahl Day, we’re celebrating the author by sharing some of our favourite quotes from his books and reminding ourselves of the important life lessons he taught us all, that should be passed on to our children and pupils… That beauty comes from the inside so it’s important to always be kind […]